Preschool
Four's Preschool (Sunny Scholars) is an exciting time for children as they work to develop abilities and independence that will help prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. The Four's Pre-K program is for four-year-old's one year prior to starting kindergarten. Children must be age four on or before Sept. 1. The program is located at most elementary school sites and offers programming five days per week with morning and afternoon half-day options. Parents are responsible for their child's transportation to and from school.
Completion of Early Childhood Screening is required for all students in SoWashCo Schools Preschool program starting at age 3. To schedule an appointment call 651-425-6636 or schedule a screening date online. Be sure to mention your child is registering for the SoWashCo Schools Preschool program.
Your child cannot be placed in a class if they will be 4 years old by 9/1/24 and have not yet been screened.
Preschool tours
We invite you to learn more about our preschool program by attending a tour. A short presentation will be made about our preschool programs and preschool representatives will be available to help answer questions and provide take home information. Pre-registration is required. Please register or call 651-425-7160 for more information.
District Program Center, Cottage Grove - Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8
Liberty Ridge Site II, Woodbury - Mondays 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb 26, Apr 15, May 20
Program manager
Registration Information
- Online Registration
- How to Register
- Selecting Classes and Required Documents
- Tuition and Registration Fee
- Financial Assistance
- Class Confirmation
- Age Requirements
- Early Childhood Screening Requirement
- Transportation
- Safe Practice Protocols/Expectations for Drop Off and Pick Up
- Toilet Skills
- Highly Qualified Staff
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Preschool Sample Daily Schedule
- Cancellation and Refund Information
- Early Learning Enrollment Contacts
Online Registration
How to Register
Selecting Classes and Required Documents
Tuition and Registration Fee
Financial Assistance
Class Confirmation
Age Requirements
Early Childhood Screening Requirement
Transportation
Safe Practice Protocols/Expectations for Drop Off and Pick Up
Toilet Skills
Highly Qualified Staff
Curriculum and Assessment
Preschool Sample Daily Schedule
Cancellation and Refund Information
Early Learning Enrollment Contacts
Parent resources
- Drop-In Play Sessions
- Early Childhood Home Visits, Consultations, and Family Support
- ECFE Partnership Opportunities for Community-Based Early Learning Programs
- Courageous Parents - Resilient Kids Program Series
- Help Me Grow
- Help Me Connect
Drop-In Play Sessions
Early Childhood Home Visits, Consultations, and Family Support
ECFE Partnership Opportunities for Community-Based Early Learning Programs
Courageous Parents - Resilient Kids Program Series
Help Me Grow
Help Me Connect
Early learning blog
Along with the joy of becoming a parent comes a lot of questions about raising a child. It can be hard to find answers and information. Our Early Learning blog can provide the information you seek. Written by one of our own ECFE Licensed Parent Educators, each blog offers insight into child development, parenting strategies, and other important topics that can support parents during their parenting journey. View our extensive blog library of topics as well as our most recent post below:
The essence of early childhood lies in building and strengthening the parent-child relationship. Research confirms that the foundation of this attachment is formed during infancy, a stage where the dance of love, responsiveness, and trust begins. The attachment relationship is not just a fleeting phase; it is a cornerstone that shapes a child’s future emotional and social well-being. By promptly responding to their needs, we convey a fundamental message—they are seen, heard, and valued. Through shared gazes and gentle touches, we build a foundation for a strong, emotionally intelligent adult.
Independence can be a roller coaster. It’s a tricky balance between doing everything for your kids and letting them stumble through it while managing big emotions and taking into account the logistics of getting a child buckled into their car seat in time for preschool or considering safety in the kitchen.
When my kids were toddlers and at varying stages of independence, I vividly recall the struggle of finding that delicate balance between doing everything for them and letting them stumble through it on their own. But through patience, insight from experts, and often a healthy dose of perspective from my husband we continue to find a rhythm of independence that challenges me to grow as a parent and foster both confidence in how my children view themselves and trust to ask for help from others.
What exactly is play-based learning? It's the environment that is conducive to a child’s development involving skills such as teamwork, communication, clever thinking, creativity, and confidence. Additionally, it's beneficial for social skills, language development, and even laying a foundation for number sense and scientific inquiry.
I have been anxiously anticipating the first “real” snowfall in Minnesota this winter, which is seeming further and further away. There is something miraculous about the sparkle of trees adorned with glitter and creating footprints on the wintery path. One of my favorite parenting moments is waking up my then 3-year-old from bed on a night when the snow began falling like a thick cozy blanket in the evening hours. By 10:00 p.m. there was nearly a half foot of snow and my busy, energetic preschooler had been blessedly sleeping for several hours after what was always a full day of trying to keep up with him. I couldn’t quench my excitement for the new snow and knowing that this apple didn’t fall far from the tree I knew he would be just as thrilled as I was at the wonder on our front lawn. I woke him out of a dreamy sleep, and he instantly sprang to life as he gazed outside while I dressed us both in our winter gear. We made a snowman, snow angels, and just took in the beauty of the quiet night; warm from connection of joy shared and energy used to enjoy the gift of the first snowfall.
Snowflakes are a fitting analogy for each child’s unique way of responding to the world and the gift of rare perspective they bring.
View the preschool catalog or download a printable version.
Register for Preschool 2023-24 Preschool Information 2024-25 Preschool Catalog PDF